A single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with her son's fear of a monster lurking in the house, but soon discovers a sinister presence all around her.
Trailer
Reviews
Gimly
6
By Gimly
The best pure-horror of the year. But that's not saying much.
Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go.
r96sk
7
By r96sk
'The Babadook' is a well done horror film, one that is most definitely creepy.
I would've liked more from the monster and how it works, though the film does give you enough and certainly does a fine job at building up the atmosphere of uneasiness that the thing produces. One great part I noticed is the sound editing, which is astutely crafted throughout.
Essie Davis does terrific in the role of Amelia, she shows every emotion that her character is feeling nicely - I felt her pain initially with the kid, too. Noah Wiseman plays her son, Samuel. He is actually quite impressive given his age, there are a few scenes where he adds a fair deal to them.
It's hearty, suspenseful and attempts proper horror as opposed to forcing things like jump scares, which I will always praise a production in this genre for. I wanted a little more, but overall I like this.
MovieGuys
7
By MovieGuys
The Babadook is one of those elusive horror films, that's open to broad interpretation.
My personal feeling have watched the whole film in the context of the single mothers predicament, is the real monster is the spectre of domestic abuse. Abuse that happens when a fundamentally decent person, is pushed too far by life and circumstance.
I will warn you, this film is most definitely not for everyone. If, like me, you don't like films, that emulate the abuse of animals, you might want to give this one a hard pass.
That said, there is a lot to like in The Babadook. Its a grimly realistic insight into how life's tragedies can compound and grow, beyond the first tragic event.
Acting too, as is so, so often the case with Australian films, is of a very high standard. Its easy to be drawn into the unfolding, sad tale of a struggling mother, who suddenly finds herself single, sad and alone, with a young son to support.
In summary, quite brilliant, in a dark, at times sad and depressing way. By no means an easy watch but certainly a haunting one, that will remain with you, long after the closing credits.
